Jubilee Gems Part Three - Blue Gemstones
To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, I thought I’d speak about some red white and blue gemstones that are fit for a queen!
In this final jubilee blog post - I’ll introduce you to some stunning blue gemstones
Blue Sapphire
The classic blue gemstone; sapphires can actually occur in any colour (except red, because they’re better known as Ruby!), but the classic and most well-known hue is a bright blue.
Just like ruby, sapphire is a 9 on the Moh’s hardness scale, which makes them ideal stones for daily wear due to their toughness.
Not only is it the birthstone for September, it is also the gem representing 45th wedding anniversaries.
The blue comes from traces of titanium and iron in the gem’s crystal structure. Sapphires are often heated to improve their clarity and colour.
I was lucky enough to design a unique platinum ring with a magnificent ~5ct sapphire as a commission last year.
Here are some of my sapphire pieces, showing some of the vast range of colours that sapphires come in.
18ct White Gold Pendant with 2.01ct Teal Green Sapphire
This beautiful 18ct white gold pendant features a natural, untreated cushion cut 2.01ct sapphire, surrounded by 30 brilliant-cut round diamonds, weighing 0.4ct total.
It is mounted on an 18ct white gold chain.
This lovely cushion cut sapphire is 2.01ct and 7.16mm high x 5.97mm wide x 4.28mm deep.
It was mined on the 19th March 1988. Mining Location : Tanzania. A photo of this actual Sapphire in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report. It was cut by master cutters in Nairobi and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification.
I purchased it on the 10th January 2020.
18k Rose Gold Pendant with 1.08ct (tot) Berry Sapphires
Very pretty 3 stone necklace featuring a central 0.71ct pinky purple sapphire and a pair of matching sapphires totalling 0.37ct - all from Madagascar.
The three sapphires are bezel set on an 18ct Rose Gold chain.
18ct Rose Gold Ring with 3.94ct Star Sapphire
A beautiful 3.94ct Star Sapphire Oval Cabochon, set on an 18ct Rose Gold claw set band.
Ring size L1/2: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
18ct Rose and White Gold Pendant with 1.69ct corally/pink Sapphire and solitaire Diamond
This beautiful mixed gold pendant features an octagonal-cut 1.69ct heated Sapphire set beneath a 0.20ct D/VS1 brilliant-cut diamond.
It is mounted on a 18” 18ct Rose Gold curb link chain.
18ct FairTrade White Gold Stud Earrings with 1.43ct (total pair) Pink Sapphires and Diamonds
These sparkling pink sapphires (1.43ct total sapphire weight) sit in a halo of diamonds (44 in total weighing 0.28ct, F colour and VS2 clarity). They are set in 18ct FairTrade White Gold and have Alpha backs for added security.
These are currently available for a very special reserve price over at hgdiamondauctions.com- Please click the link to register for their next sale.
Platinum Ring with 1.43ct cushion cut colour change Sapphire and diamonds
A beautiful 1.43ct cushion cut Sapphire, set on a four claw Platinum band.
It features diamond set shoulders - Total Diamond weight 0.24ct.
Ring size N: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
Platinum Ring with 2.15ct round Ceylon Sapphire
A beautiful 2.15ct round Ceylon Sapphire is set on a six claw Platinum band.
It has 40 brilliant cut Diamonds (F colour VS2 clarity) pave set into the halo and shoulders of the ring. Total Diamond weight 0.48ct.
Ring size N1/2: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
Please note: I wear this ring as sample stock. If you would like to buy it, I will get the stones re-set, so it is brand new.
18ct White Gold Pendant featuring a 2.53ct Sapphire and a 0.25ct Diamond solitaire.
This beautiful white gold pendant features an emerald cut 2.53ct Sapphire set beneath a quarter carat Internally Flawless D colour brilliant-cut diamond.
It is mounted on an 18ct White Gold curb link chain.
Named after a kick-ass school friend who keeps showing cancer who’s boss! 5% of the profits of this necklace will go to Cancer Research UK.
18ct Fairtrade White Gold Pendant with 0.67ct Australian Blue Sapphire
Very pretty blue sapphire from Australia, weighing 0.67ct, set on a pendant loop made of Fairtrade 18ct White Gold.
It hangs on an 18ct White Gold neck chain.
The Sapphire in this pendant:
This beautiful round Sapphire is 0.67ct. It measures 5.1mm wide x 3.1mm deep.
This Sapphire was mined in Central Queensland about 400 km west of the regional city of Rockhampton. At the turn of the last century, these fields produced over 50% of the world's quality sapphire gem material and produced some of the world's most well-known gemstones.
Buying straight from source also guarantees that my Australian sapphires are ethically mined. The mining partners have a determined respect for the natural environment, undertaking land rehabilitation as part of their mining program.
I purchased it on the 1st September 2019.
18ct White Gold Pendant with 2.61ct Australian Blue Sapphire
Very pretty deep blue trillion cut sapphire from Australia, weighing 2.61ct, set with a halo of diamonds (0.22ct total, F colour VS clarity) on a pendant loop made of 18ct Fairtrade White Gold.
It hangs on an 18ct White Gold neck chain.
This piece is currently available for a very special reserve price over at hgdiamondauctions.com- Please click the link to register for their next sale.
The Sapphire in this pendant:
This beautiful untreated trillion cut Sapphire is 2.61ct. It measures 8.8mm wide x 8.9mm high x 4.7mm deep.
This Sapphire was mined in Central Queensland about 400 km west of the regional city of Rockhampton. At the turn of the last century, these fields produced over 50% of the world's quality sapphire gem material and produced some of the world's most well-known gemstones.
Buying straight from source also guarantees that my Australian sapphires are ethically mined. The mining partners have a determined respect for the natural environment, undertaking land rehabilitation as part of their mining program.
I purchased it on the 1st September 2019.
The Olive Platinum Ring with 1.01ct Orange Sapphire and Diamonds
A lovely 1.01ct cushion cut orange sapphire, set on a platinum band. Mounted with 0.12ct baguette cut Diamonds on each side (0.24ct total).
Ring size N: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
This piece is currently available for a very special reserve price over at hgdiamondauctions.com- Please click the link to register for their next sale.
18ct White Gold Ring with 18.31 ct Grey Star Sapphire
A beautiful 18.31ct Star Sapphire oval Cabochon, set in an 18ct White Gold split band.
Ring size M: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
This Star Sapphire:
This stunning 18.31ct oval cabochon Star Sapphire is 15.9mm tall x 13.9mm wide x 8.6mm deep.
Platinum Ring with 2.05ct cushion cut Sapphire and diamonds
A beautiful 2.05ct cushion cut Sapphire, set on a four claw Platinum band.
It features two trillion cut Diamonds (F colour VS1 clarity) set on the shoulders of the ring. Total Diamond weight 0.5ct.
Ring size N: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
Platinum Ring with 1.8ct Star Sapphire
A beautiful 1.8ct Star Sapphire round Cabochon, set on a platinum claw set band with a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds set in a micro style setting weighing 0.20ct in total.
Ring size N: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
This Star Sapphire:
This stunning 1.8ct round cabochon Star Sapphire is 7.1mm diameter x 3.63mm deep.
It was mined in Madagascar on the 3rd January 2020
I purchased it on the 10th February 2020.
18ct Yellow Gold Pendant with 1.97ct Yellow Sapphire
This gorgeous 18ct yellow gold pendant features a Pear shaped 1.97ct Yellow Sapphire, set with a three claw mount. It is attached to an 18ct yellow gold curb link necklace 16”/18” in length.
It was gifted to an elegant lady who loves sunshine yellow!
Tanzanite
Tanzanite (Blue Zoisite) is an incredibly rare mineral with intense blue and violet hues.
It was discovered by Tiffany & Co. in the 1960s and named Tanzanite after the tiny mining area in Tanzania in which it was discovered. As no other source of Tanzanite has been discovered to date, and, at the current rate of mining, estimates suggest that the mines will be depleted within the next 25 years. So now could be a good time to invest in top quality Tanzanite.
Most tanzanite is heated to bring out the intense blues, this treatment produces a stable colour that makes this stone so desirable.
A beautiful 3.81ct trillion-cut Tanzanite (h:9.62mm w:9.5mm d:6.72mm), set on an 18ct white gold band, surrounded with a halo of 18 brilliant-cut diamonds, totalling 0.2ct (F colour and VS Clarity). The deep blue really stands out in this gem shape.
If you purchase the Zenith Ring and Necklace as a set for £14,045 inc VAT, the earrings are free (that's a saving of £2950!). Please call or email me to arrange purchase.
18ct White Gold Pendant with 2.6ct Tanzanite and Diamonds
This beautiful 18ct white gold pendant features a Trilliant cut 2.6ct Tanzanite, set with claw mounts within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and pendant loop.
There are 18 diamonds of total weight 0.24ct (G colour and VS clarity).
If you purchase the Zenith Ring and Necklace as a set for £14,045 inc VAT, the earrings are free (that's a saving of £2950!). Please call or email me to arrange purchase.
This tanzanite:
This beautiful trillion shaped Tanzanite is 8.8mm high x 8.17mm wide x 5.8mm deep.
This Tanzanite was mined on the 10th August 2017. Mining Location : Block D, Merelani, Tanzania. A photo of this actual Tanzanite in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below. It was cut by master cutters in Tanzania and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification in Kenya.
I purchased it on the 20th November 2017.
18ct White Gold Earrings with Tanzanites and Diamonds
These beautiful 18ct white gold earrings feature a pair of Trillion cut Tanzanites of total weight 0.62 ct, set with split claw mounts within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and earring hoop.
There are 36 diamonds of total weight 0.30ct (F colour and VS clarity).
If you purchase the Zenith Ring and Necklace as a set for £14,045 inc VAT, the earrings are free (that's a saving of £2950!). Please call or email me to arrange purchase.
The Tanzanites in these earrings:
This matched pair are absolutely top colour, which is very unusual in Tanzanites of this size. They are 4.8mm high x 4.8mm wide x 2.89mm deep each.
This pair of Tanzanites were mined on the 16th August 2017. Mining Location : Block D, Merelani, Tanzania. A photo of these actual Tanzanites in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below.
The pair were cut by master cutters in Tanzania and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification in Kenya.
I purchased them on the 25th August 2017.
As my ‘other’ job is graphic design, I wanted to say that these earrings have never been worn - Any shots with a model wearing earrings is purely through the magic of Photoshop!
18ct White Gold Ring with 7.6ct Tanzanite and Diamonds
A beautiful 7.60ct trillion cut Tanzanite, set on an 18ct White Gold claw set band. Mounted with 27 round brilliant cut Diamonds, totalling 0.45ct (F colour and VS Clarity).
This really is a powerful statement piece!
This ring is size P - I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
This Tanzanite:
This stunning Trillion cut Tanzanite is 7.60ct and 12.22mm high x 12.08mm wide x 8.52mm deep.
It was mined on the 3rd February 2017. Mining Location : Block D, Merelani, Tanzania. A photo of this actual Tanzanite in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below.
I purchased it on the 4th July 2017.
18ct FairTrade White Gold Pendant with 2.6ct Cushion cut Tanzanite and Diamonds
This beautiful 18ct FairTrade white gold pendant features a cushion cut 2.6ct Tanzanite, set with claw mounts within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and pendant loop.
There are 39 diamonds of total weight 0.25ct (F colour and VS2 clarity).
It is attached to an 18ct White Gold curb link chain.
The Tanzanite in this pendant:
This beautiful cushion cut Tanzanite is 9.5mm high x 7.08mm wide x 4.77mm deep.
This Tanzanite was mined on the 6th February 2019. Mining Location : Block D, Merelani, Tanzania. A photo of this actual Tanzanite in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below.
It was cut by master cutters in Tanzania and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification in Kenya.
18ct White Gold Pendant with 1.88ct Pale Green Tanzanite and Diamonds
This apple green Tanzanite was discovered in Merelani, Tanzania on the 1st June 2019. This rare stone will show tones of green, blue, violet and yellow, depending on the light.
It was cut by master cutters in Tanzania and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification in Kenya. before I purchased it on the 2nd August 2019 to design the beautiful 18ct white gold pendant pictured.
Set in a split claw mount, within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and pendant loop - (35 diamonds: total diamond weight 0.16ct, F colour and VS2 clarity) - the beauty of this princess cut, natural 'fancy' pale green Tanzanite gemstone can’t be ignored. It hangs from an 18ct White Gold curb style chain.
I wanted this gem to be the centrepiece of an Art Deco style pendant. I designed this necklace to stand out from the crowd – just exactly as a unique piece of jewellery should.
This Tanzanite:
This beautiful 1.88ct princess cut natural pale apple green Tanzanite is 7.64mm high x 7mm wide x 4.5mm deep.
A photo of this actual Tanzanite in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below.
It’s named after a truly remarkable young lady!
18ct White Gold Pendant with 4.03ct Green Tanzanite and Diamonds
This beautiful 18ct white gold pendant features a rare and beautiful pear shaped 4.03ct Natural 'Fancy' Green Tanzanite, set with split claw mounts within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and pendant loop.
There are 23 diamonds (total diamond weight 0.3ct, F colour and VS clarity).
White Gold chains are available separately.
This Tanzanite:
This beautiful 4.03ct pear shaped Natural Green Tanzanite is 11.44mm high x 8.55mm wide x 6.67mm deep.
This Tanzanite was mined on the 8th August 2014. Mining Location: Merelani, Tanzania. A photo of this actual Tanzanite in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below.
It was cut by master cutters in Tanzania and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification in Kenya.
I purchased it on the 19th September 2017.
18ct White Gold Pendant with 3.17ct Tanzanite and Diamonds
This beautiful 18ct white gold pendant features a Trilliant cut 3.17ct Tanzanite, set with split claw mounts within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and pendant loop and hanging from an 18ct white gold chain.
There are 19 diamonds of total weight 0.22ct (F colour and VS clarity).
This was a fabulous 40th Birthday present from a generous Husband who visited my pop-up shop at Silverstone!
Blue Diamond
Natural blue diamonds are extremely rare - the most famous one being The Hope Diamond, mined in the 17th century in India, it is a magnificent 45.52ct in size and is insured for $250 million!
Trace amounts of boron in the natural diamond’s crystal structure give it a blue hue.
Enhanced blue diamonds are natural white diamonds of moderate quality that have undergone colour enhancement treatments, such as irradiation, which permanently transforms the diamond into a vibrant shade of blue.
I personally love the teal ‘London’ blue that is achieved by irradiation!
The two rows of little dark blue stones in this amazing cocktail ring are blue diamonds.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine, the sublime blue gemstone, gets its name from the Latin word aqua marinus, which means "water of the sea". It is a member of the beryl mineral family (like Emerald and Morganite). The presence of iron causes the stone to develop a distinctive blue colour. Those with a deeply saturated blue tone are considered to be the most valuable and coveted ones.
The largest cut aquamarine in the world is the Dom Pedro aquamarine that weighs 10,363 carats and is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
Aquamarines are more commonly found in nature than Emeralds, but unlike emeralds, an aquamarine is almost free from inclusions and is more durable, making it a good option for frequently worn jewellery.
18ct White Gold Pendant with 1.15ct Aquamarine and Diamonds.
Reminiscent of the beautiful blue waters of Uganda, and named after a dear friend and inspiration! This beautiful 18ct white gold pendant features an emerald cut 1.15ct Aquamarine, with a 0.12ct princess cut Diamond, and other Diamonds set into the halo and loop (tot 0.2ct) F colour and VS2 quality.
It is mounted on an 18ct white gold curb link chain.
18ct White Gold Pendant with Aquamarine and Diamonds
This beautiful 18ct white gold pendant features a natural, untreated cushion cut 1.85ct Aquamarine, discovered on the 9th September 2019, it is surrounded by a halo of 24 round brilliant cut diamonds (0.24ct total). It is mounted on an 18ct white gold chain.
This Aquamarine:
This lovely cushion cut Aquamarine is 1.85ct and 8.06mm high x 7.77mm wide x 4.83mm deep.
It was mined on the 9th September 2019. Mining Location : Kenya
I purchased it on the 10th January 2020.
A photo of this actual aquamarine in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below. It was cut by master cutters in Nairobi and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification.
18ct White Gold Earrings with Diamonds
These beautiful 18ct white gold and diamond earrings (Featuring 18 brilliant cut diamonds F VS2 0.24ct total) can be worn on their own or combined with a stunning gemstone drop.
These earrings are a really versatile addition to your jewellery collection, simply slide the gemstone drop around the front of your huggies to change the look.
The prices below include a pair of white gold and diamond huggies and a pair of gem drops - choose your favourite gem from the options below:
18ct White Gold Pendant with 9.46ct Seafoam Aquamarine
A beautiful natural sea-foam coloured Aquamarine pendant set in 18ct white gold with a Diamond set bail on an 18ct white gold chain.
Given as a lovely Birthday present.
18ct Fair Trade White Gold Pendant with 2.38ct Aquamarine and Diamond
This beautiful 18ct Fair Trade white gold pendant features an octagon cut 2.38ct Aquamarine, discovered on Valentines Day 2019, with a 0.25ct Internally Flawless D colour brilliant-cut diamond.
It is mounted on an 18ct white gold curb link chain.
Blue Zircon
Zircon has dazzling brilliance and fire. Often confused with the synthetic material cubic zirconia, buyers may overlook this natural stone in favour of another gem. Still, bright blue hues in this modern December birthstone are attractive and often have a beautiful teal blue hue. Its beautiful sparkle makes it an attractive and affordable choice for jewellery.
Platinum Ring with 2.41ct Blue Zircon and Diamonds
A vibrant 2.41ct eye clean Octagonal cut Blue Zircon, set on a Platinum claw set band, with brilliant cut diamond shoulders, totalling 0.48ct.
Ring size N: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
This piece is currently available for a very special reserve price over at hgdiamondauctions.com- Please click the link to register for their next sale.
18ct White Gold Ring with 3.2ct Blue Zircon and Diamonds
A vibrant 3.2ct Octagonal cut Blue Zircon, set on an 18ct White Gold claw set band, with pave-set round brilliant cut diamond shoulders, 20 stones totalling 0.25ct.
Ring size N: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
Blue Spinel
Recently declared a modern option for the August birthstone, Spinel occurs in a wide variety of colours, including blue. Intensely saturated blue Spinels are particularly prized. Like this stunning gem in the aptly named Elizabeth Ring.
18ct Rose Gold Ring with 1.61ct Blue Spinel and Diamonds
A lovely 1.61ct cushion Spinel from Tanzania, set on an 18ct Rose Gold band. Mounted with a total of 0.48ct brilliant cut Diamonds to each side.
Ring size N: I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
Other precious and semi precious gem varieties that can be blue include Topaz, Indicolite Tourmaline, Iolite, Larimar, Lapiz Lazuli, Blue Opal, Sodalite, Blue Labradorite.
What’s your favourite blue gem? Perhaps we could design something together!
Jade Thomas
Hi, I'm Jade, Brand Maven (Yes, that is my official title.) at Eau Rouge ltd. I help small businesses clarify how they want their ideal clients to feel. Then, using colour psychology and over 25 years branding experience, I blend these feelings into a cohesive, beautiful and unique brand that will send exactly the right visual vibes to their ideal clients! I then build the most gorgeous and easy to use Squarespace websites for my clients, just like this one! Oh and my side-hustle is jewellery design - check out @jadethomasjewellery on socials!
18ct Rose Gold Pendant and matching Earrings with Amaranth Garnets and Sapphires
This suite of gorgeous ‘Amaranth’ purple garnets is exquisite! - a beautifully rich, vibrant purple. They come from Mozambique and are untreated and completely natural. The elongated pear shapes are so elegant! The cutting is excellent, clarity is loupe clean…these are high end gems and pair well with the blue sapphire kites.
The pendant gem is 1.83cts and measures 10.4x5.8mm. The earring pair are 2.66cts (1.33ct each) and measure 8.7x4.9mm.